Dorit is a physiotherapist by background with a specialty in neurological rehabilitation and over 20 years’ experience in managing mixed methods research studies and trials.
In 1997 Dorit started her MSc part-time and then progressed to a PhD. In this research she explored specific fall-related factors, examined issues surrounding balance and attention using exploratory studies and an experimental design. Dorit successfully completed her PhD in 2002. Her PhD research work led to a funded study on predicting people who are at risk of falls following a stroke.
In 2004 Dorit was appointed as Senior Research Fellow on the Stroke Association Rehabilitation Research programme grant which explored recovery and rehabilitation following a stroke.
She was the Principal Investigator on:
a feasibility randomised controlled trial with an embedded qualitative study exploring dance for Parkinson’s,
a mixed methods study exploring foot problems and footwear in people with stroke and Parkinson’s
an EPSRC funded project exploring the use of wearable sensors
and supported the set up and running of a multi-centre HTA fall prevention in Parkinson’s trial.
Dorit also works as a Senior Research Advisor as part of the NIHR Research Design Service South Central https://www.rds-sc.nihr.ac.uk/).
Dorit is working closely with Professor Mari Carmen Portillo to co-lead the long-term conditions research group. She currently supports a cross-national Optim-Park project that aims to optimise community resource and multisectoral support for people with Parkinson’s Disease.
As deputy lead in the NIHR ARC Wessex for the Long-Term conditions Theme Dorit supports the development and running of research projects to improve life for people living with long-term condtions. She is co-applicant and senior academic on two current projects to increase physical activity (MOTH) and support self-management among people with long-term conditions (PARTNERS).
She ensures innovation in the curriculum development to continue high quality teaching provision for the physiotherapy programme. As well as teaching neurology, she leads the critical appraisal teaching and supports the teaching of research skills at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Dorit received a vice chancellor teaching award in recognition of her contribution to teaching through innovation in 2018.
Her current research is focused on promoting independence, physical activity, and stability, with the overarching goal of improving the quality of life in people with Parkinson’s, stroke and other long-term conditions. Her main methodological interests are to find practical, pragmatic, and sustainable solutions when designing and evaluation complex health care interventions.
